Most/Least Helpful National Tourist Offices

Most helpful — Switzerland Tourism (608 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10020; 877/794-8037 or 212/757-5944) and the website www.myswitzerland.com.

I was interested in visiting a hospital in Interlaken and sent an e-mail to info.usa@myswitzerland.com. They informed me of the following website, which was exactly what I needed: www.spitalinterlaken.ch.

Most helpful — Austrian National Tourist Office (Box 1142, New York, NY 10108; 212/9446880) and the website www.austriatourism.at/us.

I needed information on the city of Seefeld in Tirol and they mailed me complete information. The mailing cost them $6, and they requested a donation of $3, which I sent with pleasure.

Least helpful — Italian Government Tourist Board (630 Fifth Ave., Ste 1565, New York, NY 10111; 212/245-4822) and the website www.italiantourism.com.

I requested information on the city of Stresa in the Lakes District. The tourist office gave my address to tour operators, who then sent me brochures which were totally useless to me.

I requested all this information in late 2006.

THERESA LYNAM

Vancouver, WA